Chris Leather(surfgatinho)

I work from home as a web developer / travel webmaster / photographer / tea boy and when I get time off from work or the family I try and get out and take some photos or go surfing (or both).

I've surfed for nearly 25 years and have been to quite a few places although my fear of flying has somewhat limited me! I'm also afraid of sharks - ideal!

At the end of the 1990s I spent 4 years living and working in Portugal. Ironically, given my love of photography and exploring now, I took hardly any photographs and never went more than a few miles inland. I did go back in 2006 on a Grand Tour and try and make up for this. A lot of my interest in Portugal now goes into one of my websites, Travel in Portugal, where many of my photos and experiences now reside.

Over the years I have acrewed a fair few qualification professional and academic and enjoy the opportunity to apply some of them here. I'm currently on my third degree (see below) having previously studied Psychology and Computing/IT.

Since I starting writing hubs I have decided on a career change. I'm now doing a biology / chemistry degree with the Open University and have just applied for dental school. Will let you know how I get on....

The town of St Ives in West Cornwall has long been a draw to visitors with its array of fine sandy beaches, narrow winding streets and artistic heritage. This hub looks at the history of the town and explores St Ives' beaches and harbour with a series of beautiful photographs.

With miles of coastline it is little wonder Cornwall is home to over 150 of the UK's finest beaches. From Porthcurno in the far west to the surfing Mecca of Fistral beach in Newquay this article covers a mere 5 of what I consider the best beaches in Cornwall

Photographic tour of Portugal's capital city Lisbon. Lisbon is a contrast of rigid geometrically laid out avenues in the downtown Baixa district blending into a maze of alleys and stairways leading up to the various neighbourhoods on the surrounding hillsides.

With a multitude of beaches to choose from, most of which have surf of one kind or another, I thought I'd compile a quick guide of five of the best spots to surf at according to level. With at least 3 coasts and a wide variety of beach and...

It'll probably take me a further 2 years to prepare so we're looking at a 4 year grad course starting when I'm 39/40
And please, no responses along the lines of 'Your never too old....' I know that but I'm looking for...